The first time I used the Best Friend™ bareback pad, I wasn't sure what to expect.

The horse that I initially used the pad with is Jack. Jack is an ID/TB. He is 22 years old, lively, forward going, headstrong and physically quite a powerful ride. Jack's purpose in life is to gallop whenever and wherever he can, and for as long as he can! After 15 years together I realised that his understanding of his own physical capabilities would compensate for my worries about 'taking it easy' with an elderly horse.

It was a warm July day in 2003. Jack was moderately fit at the time. I 'saddled' up with the bareback pad, and climbed on the fence to mount up. It felt comfortable.

I knew the test would come out on the Cotswolds hills.

I had imported several samples of bareback pads to try. All, so far, had disappointed. The problem I perceived was that all of the bareback pads had a straight line across the top. Now, unless you have a strange equine, I have yet to meet a horse that has a back with no shape at all. Jack has quite high withers. The extra padding in the wither area helped the pad to sit correctly on him. It also stopped me from sliding in to the spot behind his withers. This had been a problem when using a polypad - as I had done for several years.

This is where the Best Friend pad differed. It is shaped to the contours of the horse. It sits beautifully and does not move.

So, an hour and a half later Jack and I had tackled a fair few hills. We had walked, trotted and cantered. I thought I might leave the galloping for a while, at least until I had become accustomed to riding bareback in the open spaces. We had also opened lots of gates. The 'stickiness' of the pad enabled me to lean right down to open the most difficult of gates. I did not slip, nor did the pad move. I was impressed.

Upon returning home, I inspected the pad. It had not moved one inch! Having removed if, I was delighted to see that Jack had no rub or sweat marks on his back. The waffle material had simply taken it away. I gave the pad a quick wipe, both sides, with a clean damp cloth and it came up like new.

I have used my pad now for 18 months. I have never washed it. Each time I ride, I wipe it as detailed above. It has softened a little with use, but it is as new.

The greatest benefit for Jack is the fact that during that year, he increased the muscle in his wither area by a total of 3" (1.5" approximately each side). See wither template He looks great, and has had a new lease of life. If you are having saddle fitting problems, the Best Friend bareback pad is useful for a stand in.

The pad can be used for whatever purpose you have in mind. I use mine for natural horsemanship work, and for fun. I have treeless saddles now for both of my riding horses. I do not need to use my pad so often. But I rode with the bareback pad for almost a year, until I found a treeless saddle that I - and my horses - was happy with.

I have distributed many Best Friend bareback pads. Everyone has been delighted with the quality, workmanship and design of the product. In my opinion, it is second to none.

Email: jan@barebackpad.co.uk